A church which was saved after the community rallied to preserve it for their village and future generations has now celebrated its 550th anniversary.
Grade I listed St Nicholas’ Church, Denston, near Newmarket, was within a hair’s breadth of closing in the 1980s until villagers rallied round and saved the building, widely regarded as the finest small late perpendicular church in Suffolk.
Bishop Martin attended Choral Evensong at the church on Sunday (15 Sept) at the finale of the anniversary celebrations.
After the service, which was supported by Cambridge Renaissance Voices, Bishop Martin said: ‘‘This medieval church is at the focal point of a tiny village with just 100 villagers and it was humbling to hear how the spirit and determination of parishioners saved the day when the church was in danger of collapse and redundancy. It was featured in the Sunday Times in 1988 as a church that refused to die and after an extensive restoration the church was saved for future generations. It is rightly renowned as a must visit East Anglian church in a region that is not short of architectural gems. Everyone should be applauded for their contribution in ensuring that this magnificent building, which has stood unflinchingly for 550 years, will be here for future generations.’’
The celebrations included an exhibition tracing the history of the building; a Music Through the Ages Flower Festival and an online auction of high quality lots.
Rector the Revd Eve Bell said: ‘‘The Denston 550 committee has worked incredibly hard to mark 550 years in the life of such a beautiful church and we were delighted that Bishop Martin was able to join with us in a service to celebrate such a significant milestone. In a diocese that is obviously not short of churches, Bishop Martin’s presence was a fitting appreciation of the tireless work which so many put in to ensuring that churches such as St Nicholas’ are cherished now and for the future. What is important to me about Denston is that all those I’ve met are very warm, friendly, hospitable and caring towards one another – there is a real sense of community.’’
The focal point of a tiny Suffolk village, St Nicholas’ is one of seven churches in the Bansfield Benefice and is much loved by the community it serves, as well as being universally admired by all who visit it.